KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Indiana Department of Transportation announced last Friday $162 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 50 cities, towns and counties in rural portions of Indiana. The funding will help these communities to invest in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk projects.

Included is $978,400 in funding presented to the Town of Milford and $1,658,960 given to Kosciusko County for fiscal year 2027.

The money received by the county was awarded for bridge #123 over Wyland Ditch on Packerton Road, south of Pierceton Road in Winona Lake, said Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty.

According to Milford Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, Milford will use its portion of the money to build a walking/biking trail from the town to Waubee Lake Park. Gall added the project is not fully funded, as the grant request was for $1.4 million and the total project $1.7 million, however the majority of the cost will be covered.

She added the town will continue searching for additional funds or will have to pay the difference. Additionally, she noted the grant request is an estimate, so there is hope the actual costs come in lower.

“There are a lot of possibilities for donations and local grants still to check into,” Gall said. “Since the construction would be in fiscal year 2027, I feel we have a decent amount of time to figure out the details. Once I have more detailed information on the award, which will be in the next 30 days, I should be able to get started.”

For this latest round of funding, rural communities will design, develop and purchase land for projects that would be bid during the fiscal year beginning July 2027. While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will also be financially participating in design, engineering, and right of way acquisition components of these projects.

INDOT dedicates approximately 25% of its federal highway funds to supporting local projects each year. Metropolitan Planning Organizations distribute those funds to cities, towns and counties within the state’s larger urbanized areas while INDOT distributes funds outside MPO areas. Communities must contribute at least 20% in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.

A list of all communities receiving funds can be found online by visiting www.in.gov/indot/doing-business-with-indot/local-public-agency-programs/notice-of-funding-availability-nofa/.